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Published on: February 10, 2023
Middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rabbit using selective angiography: application for assessment of
Background And Purpose:
An animal model of selective middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion is needed for evaluation of intra-arterial (IA) delivery of thrombolytic agents. We describe a technique for MCA thrombo-occlusion in the rabbit with real-time angiographic documentation of occlusion and thrombolytic recanalization.
Methods:
After femoral artery cutdown, a microcatheter was advanced from the internal carotid artery to the MCA. MCA occlusion was achieved by IA thrombin and reperfusion by IA plasmin.
Results:
The terminal internal carotid artery was successfully catheterized in 12 of 13 animals. Stable (2-hour) MCA occlusion was induced and verified angiographically in all 12 animals; 2 animals also had distal internal carotid artery thrombus. Recanalization was achieved rapidly after IA plasmin in 3 of 3 animals.
Conclusions:
We describe a new animal model of selective MCA occlusion documented by real-time angiography and used to demonstrate recanalization with IA plasmin.
Insights
A new rabbit model for middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion allows real-time angiography to document thrombus formation and successful recanalization using intra-arterial plasmin, aiding stroke research.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Vascular Biology
- Animal Models
Background:
- Developing a reliable animal model for middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion is crucial for evaluating intra-arterial (IA) thrombolytic therapies.
- This study introduces a novel technique for selective MCA thrombo-occlusion in rabbits.
Discussion:
- The described method utilizes microcatheterization via the femoral artery to access the internal carotid artery and subsequently the MCA.
- Thrombo-occlusion is induced with intra-arterial thrombin, and recanalization is achieved with intra-arterial plasmin.
Key Insights:
- The model successfully achieved stable 2-hour MCA occlusion in 12 of 13 rabbits, verified by real-time angiography.
- Intra-arterial plasmin demonstrated rapid recanalization in all treated animals.
- This technique provides a robust platform for studying MCA occlusion and thrombolytic treatment efficacy.
Outlook:
- This validated animal model facilitates further research into advanced thrombolytic strategies for ischemic stroke.
- It enables precise, real-time assessment of therapeutic interventions targeting MCA occlusions.
